Book Review: The Heirloom

The Heirloom by Colleen L. Reece and Julie Reece-DeMarco was a gift to me from my good friend, Carol, some time within the last year. It kept getting buried in my bookshelf and I kept rediscovering it. When I saw it this time, I determined to read it, and it was the perfect time of year for it as the book begins during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. It could be enjoyed any time of the year, though.

Gorgeously illustrated, it is the story of one man’s sacrifice and the unexpected results of it. We’re not always privileged to know what the Lord does with the things He wants us to give up to Him, but this gives an imaginative journey of the kinds of things that could happen.

I have known some dear, well-meaning souls who take issue with the word “sacrifice,” thinking that whatever we can give to the Lord is our privilege and we should joyfully lay it at His feet. Though there is truth in that aspect, the Bible is honest enough to use the word “sacrifice” in the New Testament as well as the Old.

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. Philippians 2:17.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16.

King David once said, “Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing” (II Samuel 24:24). A sacrifice costs something. Yet God can give us the grace to offer it joyfully, and He promises, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).

A fairly short 66 pages, this book is a pleasant read and would be a sweet gift to anyone on your list.

12 thoughts on “Book Review: The Heirloom”

Sounds interesting and I like your quotes on sacrifice. I think it is interesting also, that some don’t want to talk about rewards yet the Bible talks a lot about rewards also. It is good to bathe our minds in the word—I can easily fall into wrong thoughts if I don’t.

Is it fiction or non-fiction? (Or did I not read carefully enough)

Barbara H. on December 2, 2009 at 2:02 pm said:

It is fiction. Sorry I didn’t make that more clear.

It certainly would have been a sacrifice for Abraham to offer his son to God, even if he was willing.
Sounds like a good book.

By the way, Karen White’s first book in the Charleston series is: The House on Tradd Street. Both it and the one I mentioned yesterday have some of the same characters and deal with a spirit or two in addition to a mystery. Charleston is one of my favorite cities to visit so I was hooked right away. I love reading about the old houses and the history.
Mama Bear

What a meaningful read. Thanks for the review, Barbara!

I ran a children’s ministry for 6 years, sacrificing every Saturday morning to the Lord for the sake of the kids. At first I was reluctant and worried. My weekends were already too short and I never seemed to get everything done that needed doing.

Yet giving those 4+ hours of every Saturday to God seemed to expand the time I had. All my weekend chores always got done and I usually had time for something fun, too. (And my Sidewalk Ministry was almost always fun!)

Ack! My point was, sacrifice is the right word, but often our sacrifice becomes our blessing. I think I would like to read this book.

Barbara H. on December 2, 2009 at 2:04 pm said:

Exactly. It looks like a sacrifice before we do it and may hurt while we do it, but afterward is when we usually reap the joy.